If the COVID-19 pandemic had hit even ten years ago, we would be in a very different situation than today. We wouldn’t be able to video conference over Zoom. We wouldn’t have Facebook Portals to feel like we’re in the room with one another. Technology that sometimes seems to drive us apart (what’s so social about social media?) is allowing us to connect in new ways, so that we can be socially close while still being physically isolated, and allowing us to stay connected during COVID-19.

Today, I welcome Eric Elnes on the podcast. Eric was diagnosed with COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and it’s partially due to him that we now understand that some people’s symptoms can be minor – so minor that they may not even know they have it. Yet, they can still be virus-carriers. Eric is a Senior Minister of Countryside Community Church, and a partner in the Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha. He had to figure out how to remain connected during COVID-19 with his congregation even though they could no longer physically come to church. He talks about his quarantine and how technology plays a role in keeping us connected while we can’t be physically close.

For patrons of the podcast, check out all of the great bonus material that Eric provided. You’ll find information on his special COVID-19 series from his own podcast, free subscriptions to his multi-part video series, his interview with CNN, and his “music video” of “Pandemic Quarantine Blues” that he recorded while in quarantine. You can find all of this at on the Patreon page. If you’re not a patron and want to sign up, you can also do so there as well. Thanks to all of you that support the podcast!